a benign sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a benign sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an indication or signal that is harmless or positive in nature. Example: "The doctor assured me that the lump was just a benign sign and not a cause for concern."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

An isolated splenial lesion associated with rotavirus gastroenteritis is not always a benign sign.

BMC Infectious Diseases

However, the presence of peripheral low attenuation, suggesting a fatty hilum within a LN, was considered a benign sign, regardless of node size.

Cancer Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The life of the riverbank, of messing about in boats, of ample picnics and long rambles, is essentially the life of suburbia, a rapidly growing but not entirely benign sign of the Edwardian times.

The Guardian - Books

The 45-minute set conclusively answered the question of whether any of this could be classified as art, with the laser an equivocal object of attention: was it working like a searchlight, an authoritarian tool, or was it more like the beam of a lighthouse, even the sign of a benign alien intelligence?

The Guardian - Music

A surgical approach without prior biopsy is a reasonable strategy to treat pathologic fractures secondary to UBC, especially if the 'fallen fragment sign' is suggesting a benign lesion.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

In light of a benign physical exam and normal vital signs, without emergency ultrasound the patient would likely have been admitted for a hematologic evaluation with an undiscovered ruptured angiomyolipoma.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

I could resonant with his longing for meaning in the great vastness of the universe but when he eventually opened his soul to the signs and stars of a benign, indifferent universe, I thought, NO.

Huffington Post

Hyperechogenicity is a sign classically reported to be in favour of a benign lesion and can be observed in many types of benign breast lesions such as hamartoma, lipoma, angiolipoma, haemangioma, haematoma, fat necrosis, fibrosis and galactocele, among others.

Insights into Imaging

Some diagnostic delays therefore occur after presentation to a general practitioner, 6 because signs and symptoms are initially attributed to a benign cause.

BMJ Open

They said that the doctors initially told them that they had a benign lump, and that breast feeding might have caused the breast symptoms and signs.

BMJ Open

Endoscopic evaluation showed signs of chronic laryngitis and sinusitis, oesophageal candidiasis, chronic gastritis and a benign sigmoid polyp.

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical diagnoses or potential risks, use "a benign sign" to reassure the audience that the indication is not harmful.

Common error

Don't assume that because something is "a benign sign" it can be ignored. It still warrants attention and monitoring to ensure it remains harmless and doesn't develop into something concerning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a benign sign" functions primarily as a descriptive term. It's used to qualify a noun (sign) with the adjective "benign", indicating that the sign is harmless or favorable. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a benign sign" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a harmless or positive indicator. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to provide reassurance, particularly in medical contexts. While the phrase is neutral in register, it's crucial not to misinterpret 'benign' as insignificant, as monitoring may still be necessary. Alternatives include "a harmless indicator" or "a positive signal", depending on the context. Understanding its proper usage helps ensure clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a harmless indicator

Replaces "benign" with "harmless", emphasizing the lack of danger.

a positive signal

Substitutes "benign" with "positive", focusing on the advantageous aspect of the indication.

an encouraging indication

Replaces "sign" with "indication" and adds "encouraging" to highlight the positive implication.

a welcome indication

Highlights that the sign is not only harmless but also desired.

a favorable omen

Uses "omen" instead of "sign", implying a more predictive and positive connotation.

a good augury

Similar to "favorable omen", but with a slightly more archaic feel.

a reassuring development

Shifts the focus to a development that alleviates concern.

a promising harbinger

Emphasizes the potential for good things to come, using a more literary term.

a hopeful predictor

Focuses on the sign's ability to forecast positive outcomes.

a non-threatening symptom

Specifically used in medical contexts, highlighting the absence of harmful effects.

FAQs

How can I use "a benign sign" in a sentence?

You can use "a benign sign" to describe something that appears harmless or non-threatening. For example, "The doctor confirmed that the growth was just a benign sign and nothing to worry about."

What are some alternatives to "a benign sign"?

Alternatives include "a harmless indicator", "a positive signal", or "an encouraging indication", depending on the specific context.

Is it always safe to ignore something described as "a benign sign"?

While "a benign sign" suggests a lack of immediate danger, it doesn't necessarily mean it should be ignored. Monitoring is often still required to ensure it doesn't evolve into a more serious issue.

In what contexts is "a benign sign" commonly used?

"A benign sign" is frequently used in medical contexts to describe symptoms or findings that are not indicative of serious illness. It can also be used more generally to describe any harmless or positive indication.